Full house in 27th edition international Nursery stock trade show GrootGroenPlus

From 4 until 6 October about 300 participants will welcome you during the 27th International nursery stock trade show GrootGroenPlus in Zundert.

At this innovating show, nurseries, wholesalers ad exporters from 6 different countries and about 75 suppliers will bring you up to date with the latest developments in the industry. Moreover, GrootGroenPlus offers excellent networking opportunities and its renowned fort its fantastic atmosphere. An extra Plus is the location of the trade show, in the middle of a area with more than 500 nurseries in and around Zundert and just across the Belgium border.

Visitors come from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, England, France, Poland, Denmark, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Austria , Scandinavia, Switserland, the United States of America, Slovakia, Romania, Croatia, Ukraine, Russia, China and many more. One has discovered that GrootGroenPlus really is about plants and their application, that is what they want, and that makes a visit to GrootGroenPlus even more interesting,

Novelties

Also this year interesting plant novelties, from Dutch and foreign growers will be on show and will participate in a novelty competition, which will be judged by the worldwide renowned Royal Boskoop Horticultural Society.

The theme: My favourite Plant

During the 26th edition of trade show GrootGroenPlus, the theme was ‘My Favourite Plant!’ This proved to be such a versatile theme, that it has been extended for a year. It has been noticed that there was a need for more knowledge (sharing) when it came to plants. Participants are given again the opportunity to indicate what their favourite plant was and why. And this has proved to be successful. Visitors and exhibitors like to share knowledge and in last years edition showed once more that professionals in the industry know a lot and therefore can share a lot of knowledge and learn from each other. This is an excellent reason for diving deeper into this theme in 2017.
The profile pages of each exhibitor is already on line. An extra service to exhibitors and visitors. Would you like to prepare for your visit to the trade fair? Do not forget to download the app. This is available for free in the app-stores.

An OCEAN of colours: International Garden Exhibition Berlin 2017

From 13th April to 15th October 2017, Berlin is the venue of the International Garden Exhibition (IGA) – the largest garden festival in Germany. The first IGA in the capital city, to which more than two million guests from Berlin, Germany and all of Europe are expected, surprises with an impressive natural experience in the midst of the popular metropolis. For the first time, there will be a cable car in Berlin on the occasion of the IGA.

The emerging new parkland in the Marzahn-Hellersdorf district is in a charming landscape zone around the “Gardens of the World”, the wooded Kienberg and parts of the water-rich Wuhletal. Against the silhouette of one of the largest prefab settlements in Europe, Berlin celebrates a Festival of international garden art for 186 days. Under the motto “An OCEAN of colours” the IGA Berlin 2017 picks up the fascinating contradictions of the capital: from intercultural theme gardens, through sunny hillside terraces to large open-air concerts.

In a breathtaking landscape, guests of the IGA will experience both traditional gardening art and inspiring exhibition contributions for a green lifestyle. A cable car float offers an impressive birds-eye view panorama.

Horticultural highlights

The centrepiece of the IGA Berlin 2017 is the already internationally renowned “Gardens of the World”. An impressive point of attraction are the new international gardens there. Therefore the best landscape architects from all five continents created designs in enclosed garden cabinets, which show contemporary trends in garden art. In the new park areas, more atmospheric water gardens were created, an English landscape garden as well as an open-air stage with up to 5,000 seats. A modern visitor centre receives guests as a meeting, conference and information place.

The exhibitions in the flower hall, tropical hall and numerous outdoor displays show the rich diversity of current landscape design. Perennials and annuals each flourish on an area covering 1,900 square metres, along with the grass belt. Miniature, shrub, rambling and hybrid tea roses are brought together to form a unique composition in the rose garden. The innovation area showcases the latest plant creations and developments in the area of bedding and potted plants. Classics like the dahlia garden, the rhododendron grove and the section focusing on grave design and monuments enrich the variety on display in the garden exhibition.

‘Stone sculpture’ and ‘cloud formation’ arrangements can also be seen. The woody plant collection in the immediate vicinity of the flower hall brings together fruit trees and blooming shrubs such as hydrangeas, hibiscus and clematis with their varying floral displays. The ‘Märkischer Garten’ is a horticultural greeting from the companies affiliated to the Berlin-Brandenburg Gardening Association. It features flora typical of Brandenburg’s natural and cultural landscape. The gardeners’ market with its regional produce is also located nearby.

Kienbergpark – a park landscape

The IGA Berlin 2017 connects the extensive Wuhletal and the Kienberg to the “Kienbergpark”, a new park landscape with diverse scenery and high leisure and recreation value. A spectacular view point, the so called “Wolkenhain”, in the form of a cloud, floats over the treetops of the Kienberg summit and offers uninterrupted views into the centre of Berlin and the Brandenburg surrounding countryside. Unique views are also offered by the 280m long Wuhlesteg (Wuhle bridge), which traverses the Wuhletal with its meadows and pastures. On the southern slope of the wooded Kienberg, sunfilled terraces lead past fruit trees, open meadows and flowering rock-gardens. For the IGA, innovative projects around sustainable lifestyles are shown there.

An experience for the whole family and an “OCEAN of culture”

With exciting activity programmes, the IGA Berlin 2017 invites children, school classes and families to discover the secrets of nature through play. At the IGA, an extraordinary play area also awaits families, leading them on a fantastic journey to exotic lands. Modelled after Erich Kästner’s children’s book “The 35th May”, children have adventures on three narratively connected playgrounds with Konrad and the horse Negro Kaballo.
The IGA Berlin 2017 also offers an ‘OCEAN of culture’ for 186 days. An event overview can be found at www.iga-berlin-2017.de/en/event-calendar. Additional tickets may have to be bought for special events in the arena at www.igaberlin-2017.de.

Tickets

The “Adults” day ticket for the IGA costs 20 euros, which is on the level of other garden exhibitions. The ride with the cable car, taking you on a panoramic ride over the Wuhletal, the Kienberg to the Gardens of the World – as often as you want – is included in the entrance fee. Children up to 7 years have free admission, adolescents up to 17 years can experience the IGA for 5 euros per day. Tickets to the IGA can be obtained at www.igaberlin-2017.de and numerous booking offices.

Sustainable development of a growing city

The IGA will be a unique Garden Festival, which the Senate Department for the Environment, Transport and Climate Protection will take as an opportunity to highlight “Berlin’s Green Places” in all districts of Berlin. At the same time, the exhibition is a powerful motor for sustainable urban development in the growing capital. Suburbs are increasingly gaining importance in light of the influx to Berlin.

Living close to nature in combination with a fast connection to the city centre are sought after qualities which the IGA is creating with its forward-looking project in the Marzahn-Hellersdorf district. Most structural and landscape architectural innovations on the IGA site with its extended Gardens of the World (from less than 25 to around 40 hectares) and the newly created Kienbergpark (approx. 60 hectares) will also remain permanently after the time of the IGA.

You can find more detailed information on the attractions and experiences awaiting our guests at the IGA at www.iga-berlin-2017.de/en/garden-exhibition. Background information on the subject of sustainable urban development in association with the IGA can be found in the IGA concept.

International Garden Exhibition Berlin 2017 13th April – 15th October 2017, open daily from 9 a.m. until dusk, open from 1 p.m. on the opening day (13th April) More information and tickets at www.iga-berlin-2017.de/service.

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) has approved an application from the region of Bologna and Emilia Romagna in Italy to host an International Horticultural Exhibition in 2019. Expo 2019 Bologna & Emilia-Romagna was approved by AIPH.

With a theme of ‘Grow Green. Eat Green. Live Green’ the Expo will take place in Bologna, Italy from May to October 2019. It will cover around 50 hectares in the Parco Nord region of the city and within the city centre itself, and is expected to attract 2.5 million visitors.

Within the theme the Expo will address:

Grow Green – global biodiversity as well as international garden design and horticultural trends

Eat Green – working with FICO Eataly World to show that ‘Food is the nexus of society’

Live Green – developing sustainable green cities

Commenting on the approval AIPH Secretary General, Tim Briercliffe commented: “AIPH members were impressed by the clear greening ambitions of this city as well as the innovative ideas they have for linking food into this Expo. We are sure that many more people will be exposed to the benefits of plants through this event.”

The application was supported by AIPH member ANVE (National Association of Nursery Exporters). Commenting on the successful application ANVE President, Marco Cappellini said: “Growers across Italy welcome this initiative and we are looking forward to working with the organisers in Bologna to showcase the best of horticulture and why it matters so much to society. This is the work of a team involving big investment companies, the Public Administration and the horticultural industry at the highest international levels. In addition, this good news comes at the same time as the Italian industry asks for more attention and strong promotional activities. Right now we are at the beginning. The next two years will be crucial to ensure we are fully ready at the opening. ANVE demonstrates once again the capacity to lead Italian horticulture to an international level.”

Leading the bid consortium Dr Alessandro Bonfiglioli said: “We are delighted to have received this approval from AIPH and look forward to working with our partners to develop this Expo into a great event for Italy and the whole world. We look forward to working with AIPH and welcoming many countries to participate in this exciting event.”

AIPH approves International Horticultural Exhibitions in accordance with the AIPH Regulations for International Horticultural Exhibitions (http://aiph.org/marketing-and-exhibitions/) and Article 4.B.2 of the International Convention Relating to International Exhibitions. Approval is granted subject to conditions.

Since 1948, the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) has united horticultural producers in an international community that thrives to this day. Much has changed in that time. AIPH strives to reignite and uphold an appreciation of plants. AIPH supports the work of grower associations globally and together AIPH champions a prosperous industry, growing plants that enhance lives, advance societies and sustain the planet, for this generation and the next.

10th International Perennial Plant Conference receives more international visitors than ever before

The International Perennial Plant Conference had never had such an international line-up before: to mark the 10th anniversary, the organiser Anja Maubach welcomed 101 participants and 8 speakers from 14 countries to Grünberg. As Maubach explained in her greeting, parks and gardens and also the activities of gardeners make a contribution towards peaceful co-existence in the current political situation. “We need more gardeners”, is her motto – and it should also be possible to reach nurseries on foot in every city.

For 10 years, focussing passion on plants and their habitats in natural and cultural landscapes has certainly led to friendly solidarity with an intense professional exchange in the international perennial plant community. Christian Kress from Austria reported on Russian phlox varieties, while Sven Nürnberger showed the possibilities of cultivating perennial plants from remote parts of the world in the heart of the city with the Palmengarten in Frankfurt. The species Salvia, with its great diversity, was represented passionately by Frank Fischer. Jo Bogaerts from Belgium spoke about plants in their natural habitat from cape to cape. The fantastic images spoke for themselves. Dan Benarick, USA, presented Chanticleer Garden, which is impressive in its exquisite design and layout. A great deal of inspiration for the design of this project was derived from nature and implemented individually. Linnea Oskarrson from Sweden reported on a research project in Sweden: as part of “plant heritage”, perennial plants were collected that were grown in gardens until 1940. In this way, it was possible to create an extensive perennial plant gene bank. These classic perennial plants are, in turn, particularly offered in the current product range of perennial plant nurseries.

Troy Scott Smith reported on the new approach to energising the garden at Sissinghurst. Due to the high frequency of visitors and the expectations of the public, the spirit of the location dissipated. With a great deal of courage and sensitivity, the original spatial modalities are now being restored for a living garden that invites people to visit again and again through space and time.
For the participants, one evening offers the possibility of presenting projects, developments and ideas with perennial plants in brief contributions.

As a member of the executive board of the International Hardy Plant Union, Aad Vollebregt thanked the organisers and gave them a perennial plant specially chosen by Prof. Cassian Schmidt. As the initiator of the conference, Georg Uebelhart received the pioneer plant Achilllea filipendulina ‘Bisch kek Gold’. His successor Anja Maubach was given the long-lasting and resilient Cistus laevofolius. As the leader and thus host at Bildungsstätte Gartenbau, Matthias Hub was given the stress-tolerant Euphorbia characias ‘Restonia’. The 11th International Perennial Plant Conference will be held from 9th-11th February 2018.

Not as before in February but in June nearly 500 national and international exhibitors and about 13,000 professional visitors are brought together.

After a number of changes put in place in 2016 to strengthen its efficiency, the important professional horticulture trade fair Salon du Végétal continues its search for excellence and so moves, for the first time, to Nantes the 20, 21 and 22 June 2017, to the « Parc des Expositions de la Beaujoire ».

Developing the trade show by increasing the offer found in the centres

To increase the number of buyers present at the trade show, the offer in each Centre will be developed, not only in plants but also in manufactured goods. More and more professional buyers have an envelope which doesn’t just stop at plants. They are also in charge of buying manufactured products, inputs, decoration…

To be a the right place, at the right moment, with the good people

Meeting your clients and prospects at a key time in the year. Show and highlight those new products and services to buyers and the press. All of this in a convivial atmosphere situated in a great setting, that’s great for business .

After the changes made in 2016 (reorganisation by centres, the theme of « Gardens in Towns »), the Salon du Végétal fair continues its search for excellence in order to take our place among the greatest events aimed at the flowers and plants world. Now the trade show moves to the third week in June in 2017, and in Nantes, to the “Parc de la Beaujoire”. A larger exhibition area, inside and outside, will allow to present a wider offer and therefore to attract more professional buyers.

In 2017, the fair will take place in the 3rd week of June

Over the years, holding the trade show in February has become more and more challenging: School holiday season and an already well advanced trading season. Visitors surveys and discussions with some exhibitors, buyers and stakeholders have allowed to define a time more appropriated to business.
The organizers are convinced that the 3rd week in June is a very good period for all the categories of buyers and for many reasons:

For distribution and production, it is after the full season of spring, and this period is fertile for ideas and references and to prepare the next season

Florists are more available, as the major events have passed by

For landscapers and town councils, demonstrations outside are a key point, Plants and new varieties are in full flower, Prototypes of manufactured products further advanced and thus ready to be unveiled or even ready for market and a time (Summer beginning) good for business and conviviality.

Developing the trade show by increasing the offer found in the centres

To increase the number of buyers present at the trade show, the offer in each Centre will be developed, not only in plants but also in manufactured goods.
More and more professional buyers have an envelope which doesn’t just stop at plants. They are also in charge of buying manufactured products,

Moving from Angers to Nantes

To meet the challenges of the future, the Salon du Végétal needs a bigger, more modern Exhibition centre. Nantes, with its Parc de la Beaujoire, offers many opportunities:

A larger exhibition area (40,000 M²) allowing the development of the centres,

Buildings which are well organised and functional

An exceptional landscape, offering the possibility in June to really show exterior and interior exhibitions and stands at their very best,

Excellent transport links (plane, train, tram, motorways…

More hotel beds, with more choice for the visitor and exhibitors

A rich environment to organise events which run concurrently with the trade show (Symposiums, franchise and business meetings, technical and scientific meetings…) inputs, decoration…

GrootGroenPlus extends theme ‘My Favourite Plant!’ in 2017

During the 26th edition of trade show GrootGroenPlus, the theme was ‘My Favourite Plant!’ This proved to be such a versatile theme, that it has been extended for a year.

My Favourite Plant!

Last year, we noticed that there was a need for more knowledge (sharing) when it came to plants. This resulted in the theme ‘My Favourite Plant!’; a theme focused on assortment and sharing knowledge. Participants were given the opportunity to indicate what their favourite plant was and why. On top of that, there were many opportunities to share knowledge, for example through the library. This library included books that were written by and for growers. The 26th trade fair edition was very interactive, and the visitors, press, and participants really liked this. It emphasised that professionals in the industry know a lot and therefore can share a lot of knowledge and learn from each other. This is an excellent reason for diving deeper into this theme in 2017.

Participant profiles

Another important reason to extend is the fact that so many participants confirmed for the 27th edition, that the profile pages will be online as of January 2017. Participants who did not fully use their profile last year, can do that now. We understand that quality takes up time. This year, it is possible to not only upload a photo of the favourite plant, but also of the application thereof. On top of that, we will look into the possibilities regarding presentation of assortment.

The 14 members of the PR team of trade fair GrootGroenPlus, all members of the board and suppliers with their own portfolio and speciality, are currently working on a full PR plan, which will give participants the opportunity to present themselves during almost an entire year. Participants play a central part in trade fair GrootGroenPlus, which will show from the PR plan. The exact set-up of the plan will therefore depend on the use of the multiple parts for the participant. Of course, it will focus on digital media, and in the period prior to the trade fair, we will keep in close touch with journalists.

More international visitors

It is very important to attract the right type of visitors for the participants. That is why the board has decided to continue the 2016 targets in 2017. Emphasis will once again be placed on attracting more international trade visitors. For them, but also for other interested parties, the special arrangements will be made available once again. This time, we will focus more on tailor made group travels. Special attention will also be paid to the gardener/garden contractor, for example through showing more applications of the favourite plants at the trade fair. Other aspects that can be expected in 2017 are an expansion of and more central place for the library, to improve the development and sharing of knowledge. Of course, GGP wants to preserve the hospitable, friendly atmosphere at the trade fair. Partnerships with gardener associations, partners, and national and international media will be continued.

Besides the fixed PR parts which will be adjusted to the targets within the new PR plan, we will also work on some new ideas to attract more international visitors. Naturally, all activities will be started well before the trade fair starts, which means that participants can get the most out of the PR value.

GrootGroenPlus 2017 will be held from 4 – 6 October in Zundert. You can register via the digital registration form on the website www.grootgroenplus.nl. Requests are processed in the order that they are received, so it pays off to register early!

Dutch Ambassador as a Guest at the World’s Leading Fair for Horticulture The Kingdom of the Netherlands will be the proud partner country of IPM ESSEN 2017. For years, the world’s leading fair for horticulture has been an important presentation platform for the green sector in Germany’s neighbouring country – In 2017, around 400 Dutch exhibitors will present their expertise and networks at Messe Essen from January 24 to 27. Their motto: “Two Countries, One Passion”.

On the first day of the fair, Monique van Daalen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, will greet the guests at the fair during the official opening ceremony. With this maxim, the Netherlands want to stress the good cross-border contacts in the green sector. “The German-Dutch cooperation is excellent and intensive,” said Ton van Arnhem, Embassy Counsellor and Head of the Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality Department at the Dutch Embassy in Berlin. “With the Dutch appearance as the partner country at IPM ESSEN 2017, we can intensify our good relationships even further.” Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen, also focused on building bridges between both countries: “For over 30 years, Dutch horticultural businesses have been providing evidence of their green know-how at our fair und have been one of the most important international sectoral participants in the world’s leading fair for horticulture. Therefore, we are very pleased to be allowed to greet the Netherlands as the partner country of IPM ESSEN in 2017.” “Two Countries, One Passion” The common love for plant breeding in Germany and the Netherlands as well as the important contribution to the economic performance which the green sector makes in both countries – the Dutch want to stress that with their appearance at IPM ESSEN 2017.

During the International Horticulture Forum on January 26, experts from the partner country will therefore examine, amongst other subjects, “German-Dutch Cooperation Along the Border”, “Logistical Developments”, “Well-Being and Sustainability” as well as “Trends, (Consumer) Developments and I N F O R M AT I O N Communication”. The series of lectures is being organised in cooperation with the Representation of interests of the German horticulture industry (INDEGA) and the Eugen Ulmer Publishing House. Monique van Daalen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, will be a speaker on the occasion of the opening on the first day of the fair and will visit the fair. In addition, further events, presentations and workshops within the framework of the German-Dutch partnership at the fair are being planned on all the other days of IPM ESSEN.
The Dutch appearance at the fair is being jointly organised by the VGB and Anthos trade associations, the state body called Topsector Tuinbouw & Uitgangsmaterialen, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs as well as the Office of the Agriculture Council of the Dutch Embassy in Berlin. Further information: www.ipm-essen.de

https://hortinet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/logo-IPM-2017-nw-e1485176349330.jpg214200Ingrid Van der Marelhttps://hortinet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/EHN_European-horticulture-network.pngIngrid Van der Marel2017-01-23 12:48:362017-01-23 12:59:25At Messe Essen from January 24 to 27, 2017: Kingdom of the Netherlands is the Partner Country of IPM ESSEN 2017

From January 24 to 27, 2017, the international green sector will be guests at Messe Essen. At IPM ESSEN, around 1,600 exhibitors from 50 countries will show their innovations in the Plants, Technology, Floristry and Garden Features areas. This year’s edition of the world’s leading fair will focus on fruit and vegetable cultivation to a greater extent. Exhibitors which have products on this subject in their portfolios will receive particular booth markings. Any visitors interested in fruit and vegetables will thus be able to make more efficient use of their visits to the fair.

Cover the entire world of fruit and vegetables with a brief glance! For example, the technology which is needed for the cultivation of ornamental plants can be utilised for vegetable and fruit plants, too. Exhibitors with products or services from the fields of fruit and vegetables will be identified by a specially developed logo. The booths of 74 companies in total will receive markings which will be easily visible to visitors. A separate section in the exhibitors list at www.ipm-essen.de will ensure rapid digital access to all the desired information. The package of measures will be supplemented by indications of relevant exhibitors in the fair planner which will be available from all the information desks.

Fruit and Vegetables as a Multifaceted Main Subject Area in 2017

At IPM ESSEN, it will be possible to find the technology necessary for vegetable and soft fruit cultivation: from greenhouse construction via greenhouses made of plastic film and their interior fittings as well as illumination, air conditioning and irrigation systems right up to husbandry machines, weather protection and insect-repelling nets as well as breeding pots and cultivation and transport trays. The range on offer will be rounded off by available information about everything to do with fertilisers and plant fortifiers as well as by devices for eliminating weeds. Furthermore, countless exhibitors will present new fruit, vegetable and herb varieties as well as seeds. This year, the INDEGA IPM Innovation Award 2017 will also concentrate on new products and technical innovations for the regional or supraregional production of vegetables.